Church works to recover from flooding
Archbishop Russell James stands amongst the extensive flood damage caused by severe weather at the One Offering Tabernacle of God church in Hempstead Village. P(Aug. 14, 2011) Credit: Charles Eckert
Days after flooding from torrential storms, the One Offering Tabernacle of God has an offer to replace some of its waterlogged carpeting.
But the Hempstead Village church still has to figure out how to replace the church van, its organ, several computers, printers, furniture, religious artifacts, even the archbishop's robes that were ruined in Sunday's flooding.
To that end, Archbishop Russell James Davenport announced a fundraiser to be held Friday night to help cover the losses and find a new place to worship. The event, which will include singing and prayers, will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Percy Jackson Youth Center on South Franklin Street.
"I'm hoping the community will rally together, and we can make something good happen out of something bad," Davenport said.
The church suffered about $22,000 worth of damage, he said, and the insurer said it won't cover the losses. Floodwater from Sunday's storm that dumped more than 10 inches of rain in some parts of Nassau County swamped the church parking lot and poured into the building through foundation cracks.
Davenport said a woman has offered to donate 60 feet of carpet to the church. The woman, like other callers, couldn't immediately reach church officials because online listings of incorrectly listed an old number for the church.
A woman who now uses that number said she received 10 calls on Monday from people trying to reach officials with the damaged church. She directs callers to the correct number.
Davenport said the youth center has volunteered its facility for this Sunday's service.
Those interested in making a donation or finding out more about Friday's event can contact the church at 516-280-7306.
